Written by Sarah Dugan, Kroening Nature Naturalist
Trees that lose their leaves each fall may seem barren this time of year, but they already have a start on this year’s growth in the form of buds. These small structures, found on the ends and sides of twigs and branches, are one of the main methods used to identify trees in the winter. The color, shape and texture can vary greatly from species to species, from the rounded fuzzy white of black walnut to the narrow close buds of black cherry. Each bud, depending on the tree, contains embryonic flowers or leaves and special tissue that can grow into a new or longer twig, safely wrapped up for the winter.
Buds are actually formed in the previous summer and fall when the trees have abundant resources. They survive the winter covered in scales or fuzz that protect the potential within. In late winter, sap (the substance that circulates water and nutrients throughout the tree) starts to rise from the roots up to the ends of the branches where the buds are. The buds swell with moisture and break open their scales, a time called bud break.
Some trees, like silver maples, break early, betting that the risk of a cold snap is worth the extra days of sunlight on their leaves. In fact, the swelling red buds are already visible in many Minneapolis neighborhoods. Others, such as oaks, take a more conservative approach and often wait until April or even May to break bud. Scientists, gardeners and others use the timing of various bud breaks to study changes in climate and weather effects and to predict when to plant. Try it for yourself by finding a tree or shrub that you can visit regularly and notice what happens with the buds this month.
Come out to Kroening Nature Center this month to try your hand at winter tree ID with one of our Adventure Hub backpacks or join us on March 9 for a Family Funday to look for bud break and other signs of spring!
Birding Basics · Saturday March 2, 9-10 a.m. | $5/person, free for kids | Ages 8+ | Activity #3042.
We will practice looking and listening for birds as we take a walk on accessible trails in the park. Binoculars available. In March we’ll listen for some of the first spring birds to sing.
Nature Tots: Birds · Saturday March 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Free | Ages 2-6 | Activity #3023. From beak to feet, song and tweet, our feathered friends come in lots of shapes and sizes. Investigate the feathers and features of birds to learn how their differences help them survive.
Family Funday: Signs of Spring · Saturday March 9, 10:30 a.m.-noon | Free | All ages | Activity #2896.
Spring is coming! Join a naturalist on a hike to look for signs of spring, tap a tree and meet spring animals.
Homeschool Day: What’s the Weather? · Thursday March 14, 1-3 p.m. | $5/person | Ages 6-12 | Activity #2879. March is a month of big weather changes. Learn about common weather patterns, how to read a weather map, and the difference between weather and climate. Conduct experiments to see how clouds are formed.
Nature Art: Critter Creations · Saturday, March 16, 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Free | All ages | Activity #2901. Have you ever noticed a pinecone that looked just like an owl? Or a burr that looked just like a mouse? Combine found and natural objects to make delightful creatures for decoration or play.
Bird Watching: Feathered Fridays · Friday March 22, 9-10:30 a..m | $5/person | Ages 18+ | Activity #4073. Learn distinguishing characteristics of birds in the park including plumage, bird songs and calls, and behavior, while strolling through the park with a naturalist. All experience levels welcome, binoculars available.
Winter Tree ID · Saturday March 23, 10-11:30 a.m. | $5/person | Ages 18+ | Activity #3047. Learn how to use a dichotomous key and try identifying trees in winter by comparing the different features such as bark, buds and branching.
Adventure Hub Highlight: All about Clouds · Saturday March 23, 1-2 p.m. | Free | All ages | Activity #2898. Learn about how clouds form and make a cloud in a jar with a naturalist, then check out an adventure hub backpack to go look for clouds on your own.
Buckthorn Creations · Friday March 29, 10 a.m.-noon | $5/person | 18+ | Activity #3048. Make your own toy or creation out of buckthorn branches. Use non-electric hand tools such as pruners, rasps, drills and tenon cutters to make a traditional wooden toy, or craft something from your own imagination! All materials provided.